Pouch for collecting human waste

ABSTRACT

A drainable ostomy pouch has an outlet. Reinforcing members at the outlet are deformable by application of manual pressure at their ends to distend the outlet. The lateral edges of the reinforcing members may be offset, which encourages the reinforcing members to consistently bend away from each other. A peelable distributed mechanical engagement fastener secures the outlet in a folded condition. The fastener parts are hook-hook type plastic extrusions, and provide a snap-engagement. A security flap is foldable under the outlet when in its folded condition. The outlet is released in two stages.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a pouch for collecting human waste. Oneexample is an ostomy pouch, although other examples include incontinenceand hygiene pouches, for example, urine bags. The term ostomy includescolostomy, ileostomy and urostomy. In particular, the invention relatesto such a pouch which is drainable.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Drainable pouches include an outlet through which the pouch contents maybe drained to enable the pouch to be reused.

One non-limiting aspect of the invention may relate to an arrangement ofone or more reinforcing members for controlling the cross-sectionalshape of the outlet. The reinforcing members may be arranged to hold theoutlet generally closed or constricted but, by manually squeezing theopposite edges of the outlet, the reinforcing members can be deformed todistend the opening. Such an arrangement is described, for example, inGB 2346328, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,825,005, 2,875,451, 5,745,926 and3,724,461.

In GB 2346328, the reinforcing members are directly opposed and togetherextend only partway across the drain passage in the outlet, leaving theedge portions of the drain passage without any reinforcement. Thereinforcing members are creased near their midpoints, to encourage themembers to bend in opposite directions when the outlet is squeezed byits edges. The creases are essential to ensure that the reinforcingmembers do not accidentally bend in the same direction, which isparticularly a problem if the outlet surfaces are subjected to stickyfaecal matter, which may tend to cause the surfaces to stick together.However, the creases inhibit the reinforcing members from sealing theoutlet. The discontinuities created by the creases would result inleakage in the region of the creases.

Another non-limiting aspect of the invention may relate generally to afastening system for fastening the outlet in a closed condition.Generally such fastening systems include either a separate fastener, forexample a closure clip, which is removably fitted to the pouch outletwhen it is desired to seal the outlet closed, or an integral fastenercarried permanently on the pouch. This aspect of the invention mayrelate to an integral fastener.

A typical integral fastener for pouches is a distributed mechanicalengagement fastener, for example a hook and loop type fastener in whichat least one of the fastener parts is fabric-based. Pouches with suchfastening systems are described, for example, in GB-A-2000683 andGB-A-2268065. A distributed mechanical engagement fastener is currentlypreferred instead of an adhesive fastening system because re-fastenableadhesives do not seem to provide the user with the same degree ofconfidence and security when used repeatedly, or for an extended periodof time, or when subjected to washing. An adhesive fastener has thefurther disadvantage that it is difficult to clean if the adhesive isbecomes soiled, and the exposed adhesive surface prevents manual“milking” of the pouch during draining.

However, fabric-based hook and loop fasteners still have drawbacks,because the fabric soils easily when contacted by human waste. Thefabric also tends to absorb liquids, which makes the fastener partdifficult to wipe clean, for example with a wet cloth. It is desirablefor a user to be able to clean the outlet and the fastener parts byimmersing the outlet in water, for example, in a sink. A fabric fastenerpart has the further disadvantage that the fabric is difficult to dryonce it has become wet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the invention may include an outlet with first andsecond reinforcing members near or at the outlet. The reinforcingmembers may be arranged such that by squeezing the outlet at its edges,the reinforcing members may be deformed to distend the outlet.

At least one of the reinforcing members may be offset laterally relativeto a centreline or axis of the outlet.

The reinforcing members may be offset laterally relative to each other.

An edge of the first reinforcing member may be offset laterally withrespect to a corresponding edge of the second reinforcing member.

The above arrangements have been found surprisingly to promote bendingof the reinforcing members in opposite directions when external pressureis applied to distend the outlet. This can avoid the need to providedirectional creases in each of the reinforcing members to promotebending in opposite directions. Manufacturing of the pouch may besimplified, and the reinforcing members may be used to provide a primaryseal when the outlet is placed in its closed condition.

The amount of the offset may be at least, or about equal to, or lessthan any of: 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm.

The aforementioned edges may be respective edges of the reinforcingmembers against which external pressure may be applied in use to deformthe reinforcing members to distend the opening.

At least one of the reinforcing members may overlap and extend beyondthe edge of the other reinforcing member.

The reinforcing members may be of the same length and be offset in alateral direction so as to partly overlap each other. Alternatively, thereinforcing members may be of different lengths.

At least one edge of at least one of the reinforcing members may beoffset relative to an adjacent edge of the pouch material at the outlet,to provide a cushion of pouch material laterally beyond the edge of thereinforcing member. The offset relative to the edge of the pouchmaterial may be referred to as a cushion offset. The amount of thecushion offset may be at least, or about equal to, or not greater thanany of: 1 mm, or 2 mm, or 3 mm, or 4 mm, or 5 mm, or 6 mm, or 7 mm, or 8mm, or 9 mm, or 10 mm, or 11 mm, or 12 mm, or 13 mm, or 14 mm, or 15 mm.Both edges of at least one of the reinforcing members may be offsetrelative to the opposite edges of the outlet to provide lateral cushionsof pouch material beyond the two edges. The amounts of cushion offsetmay different for each edge, or they may be the same. Each cushionoffset may be within the above ranges. Alternatively, one or both edgesof at least one reinforcing member may be flush with an edge of theoutlet.

At least one reinforcing member, or the combination of the reinforcingmembers together, may extend transversely across the entire width of apassage in the outlet. This may provide a continuous surface useful forforming a seal in the outlet when closed.

The reinforcing members may be of the same material, or they may be ofdifferent materials, for example, of different resilience and/orstiffness.

Preferably both corresponding lateral edges of the reinforcing membersare offset laterally from each other.

The reinforcing members may be arranged to provide different magnituderadii of curvature to respective surfaces of the outlet when thereinforcing members are deformed to distend the outlet.

Such different radii of curvature may also provide advantages inpromoting separation of the surfaces at the outlet, and promotingbending of the reinforcing members in different directions.

The reinforcing members may be of different lengths to provide thedifferent radii of curvature.

The reinforcing members may be arranged such that, in use, the lateraledges of the first reinforcing member are exposed to external pressureto partly deform the first reinforcing member before the externalpressure is applied to the second reinforcing member.

The reinforcing members may be of substantially the same thickness or ofdifferent thicknesses. Different thicknesses may be used to provide adifferent bending characteristic for each reinforcing member.

At least one of the reinforcing members may be generally planar in itsrelaxed or normal configuration. Additionally or alternatively, at leastone of the reinforcing members may have an at least partly non-planarshape that may tend to hold the mouth at least partly open. For example,the reinforcing member may be bowed, or curved, or bent. Such a naturalnon-planarity may be smaller than the degree of non-planarity that maybe created by squeezing the reinforcing members to distend the opening.A small natural curvature may result, for example, merely from thestorage of the reinforcing members as roll stock prior to assembly ofthe pouch.

The reinforcing members may provide a folding guide or “mandrel” aboutwhich the outlet may be folded, in use. This may ensure consistentfolding and positioning of the outlet, so that fastener parts forsecuring the outlet in a folded, or stowed, condition are correctlyaligned.

In another aspect aspect, the invention provides a distributedmechanical fastening system for use in fastening the outlet in a closedcondition. The distributed mechanical fastening system may include firstand second mateable fastener parts for producing interlocking mechanicalengagement distributed over a fastener area.

The first and second mateable fastener parts may both be plasticsextrusions. In contrast to fabric, plastics extrusions do not soil soeasily, and are considerably easier to clean and to dry.

The first and second mateable fasteners may form part of a hook-hookfastener system. The term “hook-hook” includes at least any fastenersystem comprising interengageable undercut projections which mate whenthe two fastener parts are pressed together. In contrast to hook andloop fasteners, a hook-hook fastener may have less spring-back, leadingto closer face-to face engagement being maintained between the fastenersurfaces.

The first and second fastener parts may have substantially the samefastener projections. Such fastener parts can simplify the manufacturingprocess for the pouch considerably, can also facilitate greater freedomof design for pouch designers, and can reduce the count of differentparts and/or materials in the pouch, leading to reduced productioncosts.

The first and second fastener parts may provide a snap-engagement whenpressed together. Such a snap-engagement may provide the user with apositive assurance that the fastener parts are firmly fastened to eachother. This is extremely advantageous for users who may have reduced orimpaired sight, for example as a result of old age, and who mightotherwise find it difficult to assure themselves that the fastener partsare firmly engaged.

In another aspect, the invention provides an outlet for a pouch, theoutlet being configured to be closed by rolling or folding the outletfrom its free end towards the body of the pouch. At least onereinforcing member may be provided as aforesaid and/or extendinglaterally beyond at least one boundary of the drain passage at least ata position in register with the reinforcing member. The outlet mayinclude a lateral step in its profile between the reinforcing member anda proximal end of the outlet. The lateral step may be external in theprofile of the outlet, or it may be internal in the profile of the drainpassage within the outlet. In addition to, or as an alternative to, alateral step, the outlet may taper in width over at least a portion ofthe length of the outlet. The taper may be a gradual taper along amajority of the length of the outlet.

With such an arrangement, when the outlet is rolled or folded to itsclosed condition, portions of the outlet between the proximal end of theoutlet and the lateral step/narrow end of the taper, may provide acushion of material laterally outside an edge of the reinforcing member.This can improve the comfort of the user when wearing the pouch byavoiding the edge of the reinforcing member from being exposed.

Preferably, the size of the step/lateral degree of the taper in at leastone edge is at least 1 mm, more preferably at least 2 mm, morepreferably at least 3 mm, more preferably at least 4 mm, more preferablyat least 5 mm.

Preferably, such a lateral profile step or taper is provided in bothlateral edge regions of the outlet.

In another aspect, the invention provides an outlet for a pouch, theoutlet being configured to be closed by rolling or folding the outletfrom its free end towards the body of the pouch. An outlet fastenersystem may be provided for securing the outlet in its closed condition.A security flap may be folded at least partly over, or at least partlyaround, a portion of the outlet when the outlet is in its closedcondition. A flap fastener system may be provided for fastening thesecurity flap in its folded condition.

The flap may act as a protective, secondary fastener for maintaining theoutlet in its closed condition should the main outlet fastener fail orbecome unfastened accidentally. The flap also provides the user with anextra degree of security and confidence against accidental opening ofthe outlet, which may be significant for customer acceptance. In aparticularly preferred form, the security flap is configured to befolded to extend from one face of the pouch, under the folded outlet, tothe other face of the pouch, thereby providing a sling under the foldedoutlet. This can provide an extra degree of security to assure thewearer than the outlet cannot become accidentally unfastened and dropdown while the security flap is secured in position.

In a preferred form, the outlet includes a two-stage fasteningarrangement which has to be unfastened in two distinct stages. Atwo-stage fastening arrangement may provide more control of the outflowor drainage of the pouch contents. Firstly, the user has to unfasten theflap fastener to release the security flap from around the foldedoutlet. Even with the security flap released, the outlet is held in itsclosed condition by the outlet fastener. Secondly, the user has tounfasten the outlet fastener to allow the outlet to be unfolded from itsclosed condition to an open condition.

The above aspects may be used independently, or yet further advantagesmay be obtained by using two or more of the above aspects incombination.

Although certain selected features, objects and advantages have beenhighlighted above, the invention is not limited to these selections.Further features, objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from the following disclosure of preferred embodiments. TheApplicant claims protection for any novel feature or combination offeatures described herein and/or illustrated in the drawings, whether ornot emphasis has been placed thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the invention are now describedby way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic rear view of a first embodiment of drainablepouch;

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an alternative shape of ostomypouch;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a detail of the outlet of FIG. 1 inits unfolded condition;

FIG. 5 is a schematic end view of the pouch outlet showing thereinforcing members when pressure is initially applied to begindistending the outlet;

FIG. 6 is a schematic end view similar to FIG. 5, but showing near fulldistention of the outlet;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 4, but showing an alternativearrangement of reinforcing members;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 4, but showing a furtheralternative arrangement of reinforcing members;

FIGS. 9( a) to (f) are schematic side views showing the sequence ofstages for folding and fastening the outlet in a closed condition;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the outlet showing an alternativeembodiment of a security flap;

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a hook-hook fastener inisolation;

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross section showing profiles of hook-hookfastener parts;

FIG. 13 is a schematic front view showing a detail of the front of thepouch when the outlet is in its closed condition; and

FIG. 14 is a schematic front view showing an alternative configurationof a step in the profile of the outlet;

FIG. 15 is a schematic edge view showing an alternative configuration ofthe reinforcing members;

FIGS. 16 and 17 are schematic front/rear views showing a furtheralternative arrangement of the outlet and reinforcing members;

FIG. 18 is a schematic front view showing a further embodiment in theform of a urine pouch; and

FIG. 19 is a schematic front view showing a yet further embodiment inthe form of a urine pouch.

FIG. 20 is a schematic front view showing a yet further embodiment inthe form of a urine pouch.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a drainable ostomy pouch 10 is formedgenerally by a front wall 12 and a rear wall 14 of flexible impermeableplastics film, welded together around a common periphery 16. Manysuitable materials for the walls 12 and 14 are known in the art. Forexample, the material may be a laminate of one or more layers ofethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and a barrier layer, for example of polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC).

The rear wall 14 of the pouch (FIG. 1) has an entrance aperture 18 inits upper region for receiving human waste from a wearer's stoma. In theillustrated embodiment, the pouch may be intended (although notexclusively) as an ileostomy pouch for receiving semi-solid ileal fluidfrom a wearer's ileal stoma. The pouch 10 is securable to the peristomalarea of the wearer's body by a body fitment, indicated generally at 20,and including a wafer or pad of hypoallergenic skin adhesive (notshown). The pouch 10 may be of a so-called “one-piece” type in which thebody fitment 20 is permanently secured to the rear wall 14 of the pouch10 around the entrance aperture 18. Alternatively, the pouch 10 may beof a so-called “two-piece” type in which the pouch 10 and the bodyfitment 20 are separate items, and are removably attachable to eachother, for example by a conventional adhesive coupling or by aconventional mechanical coupling.

As is conventional, the pouch 10 may include one or more internalcompartments (not shown) for accommodating the human waste collected inthe pouch 10. The pouch 10 may also include a conventional deodorisingfilter (not shown) for venting and deodorising flatus from the interiorof the pouch 10.

The pouch 10 includes an outlet 22 in the form of tail portion 24 of thepouch. The term outlet may be used herein to refer to the tail portiongenerally. The tail portion 24 is narrower than the upper portion of thepouch 10, and has an opening 26 at its distal end 28. As can be seen inFIGS. 1 and 2, the outlet 22 may be generally asymmetrical with respectto the entrance aperture 18. This can provide an ergonomic shape ofpouch 10 which is well suited to the shape and contours of a wearer.However, in alternative embodiments the outlet 22 may be generallysymmetrical with respect to the entrance aperture 18 as illustrated, forexample, in profile in FIGS. 3 and 16-19.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exterior face of one of both of thefront and rear walls 12 and 14 may be at least party covered by acomfort layer 30 of a soft cushioning material. The comfort layer 30 mayend at a location just above the outlet 22, so as to avoid the comfortlayer 30 from interfering with fasteners for closing the outlet 22, asdescribed further below. It is also desirable not to provide the comfortlayer 30 in the region of the opening 26 at the distal end 28 of theoutlet 22, as the comfort layer 30 may be of a material that soilseasily, or is difficult to wipe clean.

Referring to FIG. 4, a first reinforcing member 32 is attached to therear wall 14 of the pouch 10 at a position near, or adjacent to, theopening 26 at the distal end 28. A second reinforcing member 34 isattached to the front wall 12 of the pouch 10. The reinforcing members32 and 34 may be attached along their lengths to the walls 14 and 12. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the second reinforcing member 34 generallyopposes the first reinforcing member 32, although in other embodimentsthe reinforcing members may be partly or wholly offset in an axialdirection of the outlet 22. The purpose of the reinforcing members 32and 34 may be to enable the degree of distension of the opening 26 to becontrolled and/or to provide a seal when the outlet 22 is rolled orfolded up. The reinforcing members 32 and 34 may bias the opening 26naturally towards an at least partly closed, or at least partlyconstricted condition. At least one of the reinforcing members 32 and 34may have a generally planar natural shape. Additionally, oralternatively, at least one of the reinforcing members 32 and 34 mayhave a slightly curved or bowed natural shape. A curved shape mayresult, for example, from storage of the reinforcing members 32 and 34as roll stock prior to assembly of the pouch 10. A curved natural shapemay act to bias the reinforcing members 32 and 34 slightly apart to apartly open condition (although preferably not fully distended). Ineither case, as described in detail below, by applying pressure to theopposite edges of the outlet 22, the reinforcing members 32 and 34 canbe deformed to distend the opening 26.

The first and second reinforcing members 32 and 34 are generally morerigid than the material of the pouch walls 12 and 14. The members 32 and34 may be capable of being flexed to distend the opening. Thereinforcing members 32 and 34 may be resilient. Suitable materials forthe reinforcing members 32 and 34 include, for example, styrene, card,plastics coated card, EVA, and polyethylene. The reinforcing members 32and 34 may be of the same material or of different materials. Thereinforcing members 32 and 34 may have substantially the same thicknessor different thicknesses. The reinforcing members 32 and 34 may havesubstantially the same stiffness or different stiffnesses. Thereinforcing members 32 and 34 may have substantially the same resilienceor different resiliences. The reinforcing members 34 and 32 may beattached to the front and rear walls 12 and 14, respectively, by anysuitable method, for example, by adhesive or by welding. In theillustrated embodiment, the reinforcing members 34 and 32 are secured tothe exterior faces of the front and rear walls 12 and 14. However, oneor both of the reinforcing members 32 and 34 may be attached instead tothe interior faces if desired, or embedded within the material of thewalls 12 and 14.

In FIG. 4 (and also in FIGS. 7 and 8 referred to later), diagonal hatchlines in one direction represent an area of one reinforcing member, anddiagonal hatch lines in the opposite direction represent an area of theother reinforcing member. The region of overlap is represented by thediagonal hatched lines crossing each other.

As best seen in FIG. 4, one of the reinforcing members (the first member32) may transversely overlie the entire width of a drain passage 36formed internally in the outlet 22 between the peripheral welds 16 ateither lateral edge of the outlet 22. The lateral edges 38 of the firstreinforcing member 32 may at least partly overlap the peripheral welds16. In the illustrated embodiment, the first reinforcing member 32 isshaped to match the width of the outlet 22. In contrast, the secondreinforcing member 34 may be shorter than the first reinforcing member32, and does not overlie the entire width of the internal drain passage36. Instead, the lateral edges 40 of the second reinforcing member 34may be slightly inboard of the peripheral welds 16, and may be offsetlaterally from the corresponding edges 38 of the first reinforcingmember 32. The extent of each offset may be of the order of 1-15 mm ormore; in this example, 1-9 mm. The extent of the offset may besubstantially the same at either edge of the outlet 22, or the extent ofthe offset may be different at either edge of the outlet 22.

It has been found that the offset edges 38 and 40 surprisingly promotethe reinforcing members 32 and 34 to bend outwardly in oppositedirections when the outlet 22 is squeezed by its edges, even though eachreinforcing member may not be configured or creased to promotepreferential bending in a certain direction. A slight natural curvatureof one or both reinforcing members 32 and 34 may also promotedirectional bending. Referring to FIG. 5, when a user begins to squeezethe outlet 22 by its edges, the lateral edges 38 of the firstreinforcing member 32 are contacted first by the user's fingers to applypressure to the opposite ends of the first reinforcing member 32 beforeany pressure is applied to the second reinforcing member 34. This causesthe first reinforcing member 32 to bend away from the second reinforcingmember 34. The unbent second reinforcing member 34 may naturallyobstruct any bending of the first reinforcing member 32 towards thesecond reinforcing member 34. Referring to FIG. 6, further squeezing ofthe edges of the outlet 22 then causes the lateral edges 40 of thesecond reinforcing member 34 either to bear against the user's finger(s)as illustrated at the bottom of FIG. 6, or to bear indirectly againstthe first reinforcing member 32 as illustrated at the top of FIG. 6,causing the outlet opening 26 to be distended. It can be seen that thedifferent lengths of the first and second reinforcing members 32 and 34result in the front and rear walls 32 and 34 adopting curvatures withdifferent radii from each other.

As mentioned above, the above configuration of the reinforcing members32 and 34 may provide consistent bending of the reinforcing members 32and 34 in opposite directions to distend the opening 26, even if theinterior surfaces of the pouch walls 12 and 14 may be soiled with stickyfaecal matter or fluid. Other configurations of the reinforcing members32 and 34 may also be used to produce a similar effect. For example,different radii curvatures may be produced by other means and/or themembers 32 and 34 may be of different materials and/or may havedifferent resiliences and/or different stiffnesses. One or both of thereinforcing members 32 and 34 may additionally or alternatively have aslight natural curvature. Additionally, or alternatively, thereinforcing members 32 and 34 may be of different thicknesses, asillustrated for example in FIG. 15. In these other configurations, oneor more lateral edges 38, 40 of the reinforcing members 32 and 34 may beoffset as described earlier, or they may be generally in register.

When the external pressure is released from the edges of the outlet 22,the first and second reinforcing members 32 and 34 tend to returntowards their normal configuration, to close or at least narrow theopening 26. Although in the above embodiment, the first reinforcingmember 32 is longer than the second reinforcing member 34, it will beappreciated that the lengths of the two members 32 and 34 may beinterchanged if desired (for example, the reinforcing members 32 and 34may be swapped to be on the opposite walls of the pouch 10 to thatindicated in the drawings).

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate alternative layouts for the first and secondreinforcing members 32 and 34 which produce similar effects to promotebending in opposite directions which may principally be as a result ofthe layout. In FIG. 7, the second reinforcing member 34 is again shorterthan the first reinforcing member 32, but is sufficiently long tooverlie the entire width of the drain passage 36. The extent of theoffset between the edges 38 and the edges 40 is slightly smaller than inthe first embodiment. In FIG. 8, the first and second reinforcingmembers 32 and 34 are of substantially the same length, but are offsetlaterally to only partly overlap each other. Each reinforcing member isoffset laterally with respect to an axis of centreline of the outlet 22and/or the drain passage 36. The first reinforcing member 32 optionallyoverlaps one of the peripheral welds 16, and the second reinforcingmember 34 optionally overlaps the other of the peripheral welds 16.Optionally, the first and second reinforcing members 32 and 34 mayprovide reinforcement across the entire width of the drainage passage36, either individually or together in combination.

A feature of certain of the above designs to promote bending of thereinforcing members 32 and 34 in opposite directions may be that atleast one (lateral) edge 38 of the first reinforcing member 32 be offsetlaterally with respect to a corresponding (lateral) edge 40 of thesecond reinforcing member. Optionally, another feature of certain of thedesigns useful for sealing purposes may be that the first and secondsealing members together provide reinforcement across the entire widthof the drain passage 36 in the outlet 22. It may optional that at leastone reinforcing member overlie the entire width of the drain passage 36.Another feature of certain of the above designs useful for sealingpurposes may be that both reinforcing members 32 and 34 have smoothsurfaces without preformed discontinuities, such as preformed creases.Another feature of certain of the above designs useful for sealingpurposes may be that generally transversely extending edges of thereinforcing members 32 and 34 (at least in portions overlapping thedrain passage 36) may be generally straight and parallel without anydiscontinuities.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the reinforcing members 32 and 34 may be ofapproximately equal height, and define a unit fold length (indicated inphantom by intervals 42) by which the outlet 22 is folded to bring theoutlet to a closed or stowed condition. The reinforcing members 32 and34 may provide a folding guide so that the outlet 22 may be folded in aconsistent manner as intended by the design of the pouch, and such thatthe fasteners (described below) are presented at least approximately inregister. Referring to FIGS. 9( a)-(e), in order to seal the outletclosed, the user folds the outlet 22 from its distal end 28 towards aproximal end 44 (e.g., towards a main collection area of the pouch 10).In the present embodiment, the outlet 22 is configured to be folded upagainst the front wall 12 of the pouch 14, although in otherembodiments, the outlet may be configured to be folded up against therear wall 14 if desired. Also, in the preferred embodiment, there arefour fold stages to bring the outlet 22 to its closed condition,illustrated in FIG. 9( e). However, it will be appreciated that thenumber of fold stages may be more than four or less than four, ifdesired. Such folding of the outlet 22 seals the drain 36 in the outletby tightly wrapping the material of the pouch walls 12 and 14 around thereinforcing members 32 and 34. Such folding may tend to press and/orflatten the reinforcing members 32 and 34 against each other. It will beappreciated that FIGS. 9( a)-(f) are merely schematic, as it is notpossible to depict tight folds clearly in the drawings (particularly forFIGS. 9( e) and 9(f)).

An outlet fastener 46 is formed by a first fastener part 46 a carried onthe front wall 12 of the pouch 10, and by a second fastener part 46 bcarried on the rear wall 14. The first and second fastener parts 46 aand 46 b are carried at respective positions on the front and rear walls12 and 14 such that, when the outlet reaches its closed condition (FIG.9( e)), the two fastener parts 46 a and 46 b are substantially inregister to contact each other, and can be pressed together to fastenthe outlet 22 in its closed condition. The outlet fastener 46 ispreferably a distributed mechanical engagement fastener, as describedbelow in more detail.

A security flap 50 may be provided on the front wall 12 of the pouch 10.The security flap 50 may be fastened to the front wall 12, for exampleby welding or by adhesive, or it may be an extension of a layer orportion forming the front wall 12. An attachment weld or adhesive bondmay be formed between the flap 50 and the pouch wall either with theflap 50 in a folded up condition, or in a folded down condition.Referring to FIG. 9( f), the security flap 50 is configured to be foldedunder the outlet 22 when the outlet is in its closed condition, andfastened to the rear wall 14 of the pouch 14. A flap fastener 52 isformed by a first fastener part 52 a carried on the security flap 50 anda second fastener part 52 b carried on the rear wall 14. The second flapfastener part 52 b on the rear wall 14 may be approximately in registerwith the first outlet fastener part 46 a on the front wall 12. Thesecurity flap 50 provides a protective sling under the outlet 22 and mayprovide a measure of additional security. The security flap 50 mayprevent the outlet fastener 46 from accidentally becoming unfastened.The security flap 50 may also prevent the outlet 22 from dropping downto its draining position while the security flap 50 is in its fastenedcondition.

The pouch 10 therefore includes a outlet closure system which isunfastened in two distinct stages. A two-stage approach may provide theuser with advantages in terms of controllability of the outlet when itis desired to unfold the outlet 22 from its closed condition. A firststage is to unfasten the flap fastener 52 to release the security flap50 from around the folded outlet 22. Even with the security flap 50released, the outlet 22 will not drop down to its unsealed position,because the outlet 22 is itself retained in its closed condition by theoutlet fastener 46. A second stage is to unfasten the outlet fastener46, to release the outlet 22, and to allow the outlet 22 to be unfoldedto its extended condition (FIG. 9( a)).

In the extended condition, the user can apply finger pressure to theoutlet edges 22, to deform the reinforcing members 32 and 34 to distendthe opening 26. The rate at which the pouch contents are dischargedthrough the outlet 22 may be controlled at least partly by varying thedistention of the opening 26 according to the amount of finger pressureapplied between the outlet edges. At any time, either during emptying,or during initial unfolding and positioning of the outlet 22, the usermay substantially stop or prevent any contents from draining through theoutlet 22, by pressing and holding the reinforcing members 32 and 34against each other. This may provide a sufficient seal to temporarilyclose the outlet 22 even to liquids.

In the illustrated embodiment, the security flap 50 is carried on oneface to indicate that the outlet 22 should be folded to its closedcondition on that wall of the pouch 10, namely the front wall 12 in theillustrated embodiment. However, it will be appreciated that, ifdesired, the security flap 50 may be carried on an opposite face to thaton which the outlet 22 is intended to be folded to its closed condition.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative design of security flap 54. In FIG.10, the security flap 54 is configured to be folded laterally around theoutlet 22 when the outlet is in its closed condition. The security flap54 is formed as a lateral extension arm extending from the pouch walls12 and 14. The security flap is dimensioned to be folded around one face(either the front or rear wall 12 or 14), and a distal portion 56 thenfolded around the opposite edge 58 to the other face. Inter-engageableflap fastener parts 59 a and 59 b are carried on the flap 54 and onsuitable surfaces of the outlet, such that the fastener part 59 b islocated at a suitable position for engagement by the flap 54 once theoutlet 22 has been folded to its closed condition.

The fasteners 46 and 52 may be any suitable adhesive or mechanicalfastener type. The fasteners 46 and 52 may be of the same type ofdifferent types. For example, one or both of the fasteners 46 and 52 maybe of resealable adhesive type. One or both of the fasteners 46 and 52may be of a peelable distributed mechanical engagement fastener, inwhich the fastener parts interlock when fastened together. For example,the fastener parts may be of hook and loop material. The loop materialmay be a fabric. Additionally or alternatively, one or both of thefasteners 46 and 52 may be of type in which both of the fastener parts46 a/46 b or 52 a/52 b are plastics extrusions. Compared to a fabricfastener part, plastics extrusions may be less vulnerable to soiling. Aplastic extrusion may also be less likely to absorb liquids, and maytherefore be easier to clean, for example by wiping clean. A plasticsextrusion may also be easier to dry after cleaning. Hygiene is of theutmost importance for an ostomate. The ability to clean, or keep clean,a fastener part is extremely advantageous, and plays an important partin customer acceptance of a particular pouch. In particular, it isdesirable for the ostomate to be able to immerse the outlet 22 in waterto clean the outlet thoroughly, and to dry the surfaces before reusingthe pouch.

One or both of the fasteners 46 and 52 may also be of a positivesnap-engagement type, so that the user can positively detect when thefastener parts fasten together. This is especially advantageous for auser who's vision might be impaired, and who might find it difficult toverify visually that the fastener is correctly fastened.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, an especially advantageous form offastener 46 or 52 is distributed mechanical fastening hook-hook typefastener 60, in which interlocking mechanical engagement may begenerally distributed over a two-dimensional area of the fastener. Thefastener parts may be peelable apart, for example by progressive peelingfrom an edge. Each fastener part 60 a and 60 b comprises a plurality ofprojections 62 on stalks 64. The projections 62 may be undercut. Forexample, the projections 62 may extend on either side of the stalk 64and define a flat mushroom-headed profile. The stalks may be arranged ina regular array of rows and/or columns. When the two fastener parts 60 aand 60 b are pressed together, the opposing stalks 64 interdigitate,such that the projections 62 on one part 60 a interlock with theprojections 62 of the other part 60 b. FIG. 12 also shows examples ofother possible shapes of the projections 62, in the form of a bulboushead 62 a, and in the form of a barb or arrowhead 62 b.

Each fastener part 60 a, 60 b may be a plastics extrusion. Theprojections 62 may interlock with a positive, detectable snapengagement. The two parts 60 a and 60 b may be substantially the same aseach other, or the two parts 60 a and 60 b may be of different forms. Abenefit of the two parts 60 a and 60 b being the same is that this cansimplify manufacturing of the pouch, and it also increases theflexibility of design for pouch designers.

A suitable hook-hook fastener is, for example, the “Easy Lock” fastenerproduced by Aplix.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 7 and 8, the external profile of theoutlet may include a lateral step 70 partway between the proximal end 44of the outlet 22, and the location of the reinforcing members 32 and 34.The lateral step 70 may be of the order of about 1 to 5 mm, or more, ateach side edge of the outlet 22. Referring to FIG. 13, when the outlet22 is folded to its closed condition, the peripheral portions 72 abovethe step 70 provide generally soft deformable cushion zones 74, whichoverlie the relatively abrupt edges 38 and 40 of one or both of thereinforcing members 32 and 34. This can make the pouch more comfortableto wear, and may avoid the edges 38 and 40 of one or both of thereinforcing members 32 and 34 from catching on the wearer's skin orclothes.

Referring to FIG. 14, an alternative technique for implementing the sameprinciple is to provide an internal profile step 76 in the shape of thepassage 36 within the outlet 22. The internal step 76 ensures thatperipheral portions 78 of the outlet 22 provide a generally softdeformable cushion outside over the edges 38 and 40 of one or both ofthe reinforcing members 32 and 34. It will be appreciated that a featureof the profile step, whether an external step 70, or an internal step74, is to provide sufficient pouch wall material extending laterallybeyond the abrupt edges 38 and 40 of the reinforcing members to obtain acushioning effect.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, a yet further alternative for implementinga similar principle may be for the outlet 22 to taper in width, suchthat the outlet 22 narrows towards the opening 26. The taper may extendover a majority of the length of the outlet 22 between a proximal end 80and the opening 26 at the distal end 82. The taper may provide the sameeffect as that described above, for providing a cushion zone 84 of softpouch material laterally outside the edges of the reinforcing members 32and 34 when the outlet 22 is folded up. A tapered shape may beadditionally advantageous in reducing any risk of faecal matter beingtrapped at an abrupt step. In a similar manner to that described for thelateral step, the tapered shape may also be formed internally, forexample, by an internal weld, such that the drain passage 36 may taperin width towards the opening 26.

In FIGS. 16 and 17, the arrangement of the reinforcing members 32 and 34may be similar to that illustrated in FIG. 8. The reinforcing members 32and 34 may be of about the same length as each other. Each reinforcingmember 32, 34 may be offset laterally with respect to an axis orcentreline 86 of the outlet 22 and/or the drain passage 36. Thereinforcing members 32 and 34 may offset laterally with respect to eachother. A first edge 88 of at least one (or each) reinforcing member maybe offset laterally from an adjacent edge 90 of the outlet 22 to providea cushion zone similar to that described above. The amount of thecushion offset may, for example, be between 0 mm (no offset) and 5 mm ormore, more preferably between 0 and 3 mm inclusive. Additionally oralternatively, a second edge 92 of at least one (or each) reinforcingmember may be offset laterally from an adjacent edge 94 of the outlet toprovide a cushion zone. The amount of the cushion offset may, forexample, be between 0 mm (no offset) and 12 mm or more, more preferablybetween 1 and 9 mm inclusive. The edges 88 and 92 of each reinforcingmember 32, 34 may be radiused to avoid any sharp corners that might beuncomfortable for the ostomate when the pouch is worn.

In all of the foregoing embodiments, one or more of the fastener parts46 a, 46 b, 52 a and 52 b may be shaped or located such that, when theoutlet 22 is folded to its closed condition, the fastener parts 46 a, 46b, 52 a and 52 b lie inboard of peripheral edges of the pouch walls,such that the peripheral regions of the pouch walls may provide softcushioning zones to cushion the edges of the fastener parts. Especiallyin the case of fastener parts in the form of plastics extrusions, thefastener parts may be generally stiffer, or more rigid, than the pouchwall material. The soft peripheral zones laterally outside the morerigid fasteners may make the pouch more comfortable to use and to wear.

The above configuration of the fastener parts and/or the reinforcingmembers with respective cushioning zones, may be referred to as “island”placement, so that one or more lateral edges of the fastener partsand/or reinforcing members are inboard of a cushioning zone of material.Such island placement may be apparent in the unfolded, extendedcondition of the outlet 22, or may occur only when the outlet 22 isfolded to its closed condition.

The foregoing embodiments may be especially (although not exclusively)suitable for use as drainable ileostomy pouches. FIGS. 18-20 illustratefurther embodiments that may be especially (although not exclusively)suitable for use as drainable urine pouches, for example, urostomypouches.

In FIGS. 18 and 19, the main difference from the previous embodimentsmay be that the outlet 22 is narrower than in the previous embodiments.The narrower outlet 22 may be suited for draining predominantly liquidcontents from the pouch 10. The pouch 10 may include any or all of thefeatures previously described, but in a form suited to the narroweroutlet 22. For example, the pouch may include the reinforcing members 32and 34, the security flap 50, the fasteners 46 and 52, and/or theentrance aperture 18. The outlet 22 may include the internal profilestep 76 in the shape of the drain passage 36, for providing cushionzones laterally outside the reinforcing members 32 and 34. The step 76may be a tapered step or an abrupt step. The step 76 may be located justabove, or near the upper edges of, the reinforcing members 32 and 34, todefine a narrow liquid passage at the opening 26. The reinforcingmembers 32 and 34 may be generally opposed to each other. Optionally, atleast one edge of at least one of the reinforcing members 32, 34 may belaterally offset relative to a corresponding edge of the otherreinforcing member 32, 34. Alternatively, the reinforcing members 32 and34 may be substantially in register with each other. Optionally, atleast one edge of at least one of the reinforcing members 32, 34 may beoffset relative to an outer edge of the outlet 22, to define a cushionzone.

Referring to FIG. 20, a further embodiment may include a hybrid outlet22′. The hybrid outlet 22′ may have an internal narrow drain passage 36′similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. The hybrid outlet 22′may have an external profile similar to the wider outlet of theembodiments of FIGS. 1-17. The narrow drain passage 36′ may be definedby one or more lines of attachment 96, for example, weld lines oradhesive bond lines, between the front and rear walls 12 and 14, andintersecting the peripheral weld 16. The lines of attachment 96 maydefine a tapered and/or stepped shape of drain passage 36′. In FIG. 20,the reinforcing members 32 and 34, the fasteners 46 and 52 and the flap50 may not be shown, to avoid cluttering the drawing, although it willbe appreciated that these elements may be provided in the same manner asin previous embodiments.

It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made within thescope and principles of the invention, and various features describedabove may be replaced if these feature are not required.

Although the preferred embodiments have been described in the context ofan ostomy pouch, it will be appreciated that the same principles may beused with other types of pouches for body waste, for example, hygienebags and urine bags.

1. A drainable pouch for collecting human waste, the pouch comprising:a. opposing pouch walls having an opening therebetween, the pouch wallstapering down to an outlet having an outlet opening; b. first and seconddeformable reinforcing members, each reinforcing member being attachedto an opposing pouch wall near or at the outlet opening, the firstreinforcing member having two opposite first lateral edges, the secondreinforcing member having two opposite second lateral edges, each of thefirst lateral edges being proximate to a respective second lateral edge,the first and second reinforcing members being deformable by manualapplication of pressure to opposite lateral edges of the reinforcingmembers so as to controllably distend the outlet opening; wherein afirst lateral edge of the first reinforcing member is offset laterallywith respect to a proximate second lateral edge of the secondreinforcing member; c. the outlet being flexible and foldable from anextended condition to a stowed condition; d. a plurality of outletfasteners on at least one pouch wall capable of separably interlockingfor securing the outlet in its stowed condition; e. a security flapextending freely from an end secured to a pouch wall, the security flaphaving a smooth outside surface and an underside surface, the securityflap being flexible and foldable over and around the outlet when theoutlet is in its stowed condition; and f. a flap fastener on theunderside of the security flap, the flap fastener being capable ofsecuring the security flap in its folded condition over and around theoutlet with the smooth outside surface of the security flap exposed andthe outlet stowed and covered.
 2. The drainable pouch according to claim1, wherein the first reinforcing member has a first lateral edge thatoverlaps and extends beyond a proximate second lateral edge of thesecond reinforcing member.
 3. The drainable pouch according to claim 1,wherein the first and second reinforcing members are of differentlengths.
 4. The drainable pouch according to claim 1, wherein the firstand second reinforcing members are of about the same length, and arepartly offset in a lateral direction so as to partly overlap each other.5. The drainable pouch according to claim 1, wherein the first andsecond reinforcing members have an overall length that extendssubstantially entirely across the width of the outlet opening.
 6. Thedrainable pouch according to any claim 1, wherein at least one of thefirst and second reinforcing members overlies substantially entirely thewidth of the outlet opening.
 7. The drainable pouch according to claim1, wherein lateral edges at both opposite ends of the reinforcingmembers are offset laterally from each other.
 8. The drainable pouchaccording to claim 1, wherein the first and second reinforcing membersare attached to exterior faces of the pouch.
 9. The drainable pouchaccording to claim 1, wherein the pouch is an ostomy pouch.
 10. Thedrainable pouch according to claim 1, wherein the first and secondreinforcing members are of different lengths and have differentmagnitude radii of curvature.
 11. The drainable ostomy pouch accordingto claim 1, wherein the first and second reinforcing members arecomposed of different materials.
 12. The drainable pouch according toclaim 1, wherein the first and second reinforcing members have adifferent resilience and/or a different stiffness.
 13. The drainablepouch according to claim 1, wherein the first and second reinforcingmembers are of different thicknesses.
 14. The drainable pouch accordingto claim 1, wherein the outlet fasteners include first and secondfastener parts that have the same fastener projections as each other.15. The drainable pouch according to claim 14, wherein the first andsecond fastener parts provide a snap engagement when the fastener partsare pressed together.
 16. The drainable pouch according to claim 14,wherein each of the first and second fastener parts comprises stalkswith projections for interlocking with projections of the other fastenerpart when the two fastener parts are pressed together.
 17. The drainablepouch according to claim 14, wherein the first fastener part is carriedon a first exterior face of the pouch, and the second fastener part iscarried on a second exterior face of the pouch opposite the first face.18. The drainable pouch according to claim 14, wherein at least one ofthe fastener parts is on a portion of the outlet for directly securingthe outlet in its stowed condition.
 19. The drainable pouch according toclaim 14, wherein at least one stiffener part is located such that, inthe stowed condition of the outlet, a periphery edge of the stiffenerpart is inboard of a zone of cushioning material.
 20. The drainablepouch according to claim 1 wherein the outlet includes a lateral step ortaper at a position between a reinforcing member and a proximal end ofthe outlet, for providing a zone of cushioning material outside an edgeof a reinforcing member when the outlet is folded to its stowedcondition.
 21. The drainable pouch according to claim 20, wherein thereinforcing member overlies at least one boundary of a drain passage inthe outlet.
 22. The drainable pouch according to claim 20, wherein thelateral step or taper is in the external shape of the outlet.
 23. Thedrainable pouch according to claim 20, wherein the lateral step or taperis in an internal shape of the outlet.
 24. The drainable pouch accordingto claim 20, wherein the taper extends over at least a majority of thelength of the outlet.